Location: Ambleside
Top Things to do in Ambleside
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Ambleside, England
Ambleside is a town in Cumbria, in North West England. Historically within the county of Westmorland, it is situated at the head of Windermere, England's largest water. The town is within the Lake District National Park.
Restaurants in Ambleside
1. Ambleside Cowhides & Sheepskins
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 187 reviews
WE HAVE MOVED! .Ambleside Sheepskins is a fast-growing natural products company operating from the Old Claytons Butchers in Ambleside in the heart of the picturesque Lake District in northwest England. Our team is committed to delivering the best home décor solutions as well as the very best in luxury sheepskin slippers/coats/gloves at affordable prices. We focus on providing the very best level of customer service to ensure that you receive perfect products such as Sheepskin Rugs, Hand crafted Shepherd Sheepskin Slippers, beautifully patterned hard-wearing Argentinean Cowhide Rugs, incredibly soft and warm Premium Reindeer Hides. Not to mention our stunning Herdwick and Cumbrian sheepskin rug collection. Why not come and visit our shop and have a day out in the countryside? ( Ambleside Sheepskins LA22 9DR)
Reviewed By Peggie128 - Wales, United Kingdom
I was looking for a pair of sheepskin slippers as my feet are always cold but also ended up purchasing a double Shetland sheepskin rug. The choices was superb. There were a lot of different types of sheepskin but the staff were very friendly and on-hand to help with the queries from showing us the different types of rugs available at different price ranges to explaining how to maintain the rug to ensure years of enjoyment out of it. Thank you for a wonderful experience!
2. Ambleside Climbing Wall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 230 reviews
Indoor climbing venue suitable for all ages in the heart of The Lake District! Offering Taster sessions, Private Lessons, Children's Clubs and Climbing for Experienced climbers and beginners alike. We are open throughout the week, see opening times, session details and info on outdoor climbing at "www.amblesideadventure.co.uk". Our parent company Adventure Peaks also offers a wide range of outdoor activities; from local treks to climbing some of the World's largest mountains. Get in touch for more information!
Reviewed By samlQ50OP
Me and my family were on a trip to the Lake District and staying in Ambleside, which is a very nice town overall, and most of the time was climbing mountains and such like. However, on our last day, it was raining hard, but we still wanted to do something and this climbing wall had caught our eye. Located above a climbing shop at the bottom of the hill our house was on, it was situated perfectly for a quick rainy walk to the place and the same back. When we got there, my dad, my two sisters and I (my mum stayed at home) were met by our very entertaining and enthusiastic climbing instructor, George. And by George, he was amazing, a perfect balance of help and playful support. After finding the correct size of climbing shoe, which could be rented out at a very reasonable price considering the amount they helped once on the wall, we were immediately taken into the bouldering room, and taught the basics of climbing walls and then took part in challenges. The best thing was, it didn’t matter how good you were as there were challenges that suited everyone. Then we were taken into the impressive climbing wall room, and those walls were high! After a quick briefing of the harnesses and pulley system we were ready to go. There was an easier wall and a harder wall. Me and my dad started on the harder wall (as we were similar weights) and I was climbing while he was belaying (controlling my rope and keeping me from dying). I reached the top first try, but don’t let that fall you, I’ve climbed before and it wasn’t easy by any means! After coming down, George then challenges me to do the wall only using green handholds, and that time the wall beat the man. I just couldn’t do it. But it was very fun to try. Then we all rotated and my dad was climbing while I belayed him. He didn’t do as well as me as he is scared of heights. But when we switched to the easier wall, after some supportive words before he started and some while he was on the wall, meant he did manage to reach the top! He was VERY happy when he came down. As I had done well on the hard wall, George just set me hard challenges on the easier wall and I enjoyed myself immensely just trying to figure out how to beat them. Once the climbing shoes were off and bid fair well to George, we went and had a quick bite in the cafe above the wall, which had a viewing window which allowed an easy view of the wall and those on it, and some parents were sitting up there watching kids of their own doing it, and I found it fun to marvel at those who looked like professionals, jumping up and down the wall with ease. Afterwards, when we got back to the house I collapsed on a chair with aching arms and legs, but very proud of what I’d done. All in all, an excellent experience every wall I attempted, and am looking forward to doing it again next year (hopefully).
3. Old Bank House Chocolate
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Handmade chocolates and truffle made on the premises. Chocolate shoes, footballs and many more chocolate novelties come and see how they are made by our excellent chocolatiers. Family run business for over 26 years.
Reviewed By Horty57
Always visit when in the lakes but due to Covid missing our chocolate fix so we ordered online chocolates arrived today well packaged and just as yummy as ever thank you ❤️
4. Old Courthouse Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Established in 1994, the Old Courthouse Gallery, Ambleside has become one of the leading independent contemporary arts galleries in the North of England. Occupying three floors within an historic building, the bright and welcoming gallery showcases the best arts and crafts in the Lakes and in Britain today. A range of media are featured in the gallery including wall art, wood/furniture, glass, ceramics, metalwork and jewellery, ensuring a deep and high quality range of pieces for the serious collector or the person looking for the ideal gift or memento.
5. Graythwaite Adventure
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 106 reviews
Graythwaite Adventure offers a range of country sports and adventure activities, including 4x4 off road driving on the Lake District’s only purpose built BORDA approved course, clay pigeon shooting, archery, canoeing, sit on top kayaks, paddleboarding, bushcraft and more on the private 5,000 acre estate on the shores of Lake Windermere, perfect for families, groups and corporate events. Winners of the Cumbria Tourism Experience of the Year 2019 Award.
6. Kindred Spirits
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Kindred Spirits is located in the idyllic lakeland town of Ambleside where we showcase a variety of high quality spirits and liqueurs handcrafted by authentic, British distillers using small-batch techniques. We invite you to explore unique tastes & flavours - displaying these products in glass demi-johns and casks allows us to bottle on the shop floor, and also offer a taste before you buy. Our staff are very knowledgeable about the products and can help you find your perfect match as well as offer serve suggestions and recipes. To remain in keeping with the spirit of handcrafted produce, we offer a range of bottles which are filled on the shop floor and hand write the information on the bottles, a special message can be added for a gift or memento of your visit. Stop by today to discover your new favourite drink!
Reviewed By 509keegand - London, United Kingdom
we were recently in Ambleside and came across this lovely little shop. We were buying some gifts and the lady took some real time out to explain the different Gins & Rums for us and the choice of bottles and pricing. When we paid the lady who also served us was very helpful, in fact I ended up buying some for myself to! The model is great, close your bottles and style, choose your drink and then have it personalised and the bottles can be refilled to. Great service, great product, great idea, great shop!
7. Beatrix Potter Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 651 reviews
This quirky building in the heart of Hawkshead displays original watercolours and work by Beatrix Potter, from the National Trust collection. It's the only place you can step inside the famous tales and get up-close to the original illustrations.
Reviewed By dunnka - Birmingham, United Kingdom
What a fantastic little place this is, many interesting g things to see and read, a lovely in sight to the life to the brilliantly talented Beatrix Potter, Staff are extremely friendly and polite and very knowledgeable. Would def return and 100% recommended
8. Hawkshead Grammar School
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Hatfia - Melbourne, Australia
Unexpectedly inexpensive tour conducted by a knowledgeable and delightful fellow who made the history of the school come alive. Established in 1585 and attended by William Wordsworth - a trove of treasures and stories contained within. Fascinating and ceratinly well worth a visit.
9. Golden Rule
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 433 reviews
The Golden Rule, tucked away off the main road in Ambleside, is a traditional and unchanging multi-roomed pub in the heart of The Lake District with a reputation that spreads around the world. Ever popular with varied mix of local residents, visitors from near and far, the young and old, walkers, climbers, mountain bikers, artists and writers, the Rule is just the place to have a drink and a chat.
Reviewed By MrsVickieForrest - West Midlands, United Kingdom
My Husband and I have been visting the Golden Rule for 10 years with our two Westies. We always get a warm welcome from the Landlord and Landlady with a treat for the dogs waiting. It's lovely to see Rosie their little dog and chat to the locals whilst enjoying the ales and a pork pie. Looking forward to seeing you again in a couple of weeks.
10. Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,476 reviews
Hill Top was Beatrix Potter's most beloved place, packed full of her favourite things and left just as she wanted it for visitors to enjoy. You will see why she loved it so much and used it and the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her famous children's tales. Your visit helps the National Trust continue her work to look after the Lake District.
Reviewed By josT2776NL - Belfast, United Kingdom
Fantastic loved it if you love Beatrix potter you will find it amazing seeing i she just to live all her own furniture and you can go up the stairs to her bedroom plenty of helpful staff for questions and fantastic gardens a gift shop there also
